[urbansage]

Hey hopefully it’s okay to ask for career advice as well as CPA question on this forum. I apologize if it isn’t. I’m basically wondering after I get my CPA what would be a good next move for my career and I figured this community would have some ideas. A bit of my background….

I’m going through the process of getting my CPA (so far passed FAR! 3 more to go). I have a Bachelors in Finance from Evergreen State College, and MBA from Saint Martin University (both are in Olympia, WA), a graduate certificate in accounting from University of Washington. I just started a job with the State Auditors office about 6 months, this is my first job in accounting or finance. I previously worked in web development for a college and as an Army Medic. I’m 32 years old, no debt, and single.

What I’m trying to figure out is how to use the last year of my G.I Bill. I have exactly 10 months of free school left and I want to get something that will beneficial but I’m worried that my resume already looks heavy on the education side and light on the experience side. The University of Washington has a part-time 13 month Master in Information System program that I’m interested in but will that help my career in accounting/auditing/finance? Is there another Master degree that might be beneficial? I’ve even tried to think of outside-the-box ideas liking studying abroad for a year and learn financing/accounting/basket weaving/ foreign language from a foreign university. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

[MBA MST CPA]

I think that a lot depends on what area of accounting/auditing/finance that you want to end up in. Some suggestions are: a masters in taxation if you want to get into tax preparation or representation; the IT program that you mentioned if you want to audit IT systems; or a language program if you want to do something internationally. I would first decide what career path you want to follow and then decide the best educational route to take to get you there

REG - 11/5/2012 - 80
BEC - 1/17/2013 - 76
AUD - 2/22/2013 - 70 4/5/2013 - 75
FAR - 5/28/2013 - 75 - Done!!!

Question: What do you call someone who only gets 75's and 76's on the four parts of the CPA exam?

Answer: A CPA

[Anonymous]

Just focus on the task at hand…PASS THE EXAM.

Then think about all the other stuff :).

[jelly]

Definitely pass the exam. I'd use the extra 10 months to learn another language, which is handy no matter what your ultimate goals are. You could go get a Masters in Taxation to get into school recruiting, but I think you're already a bit overkill on education. Pretty much everything that a public accounting entry-level auditor/consultant or tax accountant does, does not require a Masters degree.

Couldn't pass again!

[urbansage]

Thanks everyone for the advice and input! I'll keep focusing on getting my CPA for now.

[Anonymous]

Passing the exam should be your #1 priority.

Many people get jobs based on their internship experience. If you're wide open and looking for something different than your current job, some of the larger firms offer overseas internships. Also, some organizations offer short term positions (FASB for example.) Also, stay in touch with your college career centers and accounting professors, tell them that you want to be involved in a special project or internship.

Could you take a few non-degree seeking classes and then take full advantage of college resources? Recruiting, fraternities, internships, etc. At my college, officers of beta alpha psi have awesome opportunities for networking. Also, does your college's accounting department take on nonprofit projects or accounting competitions? Is there a small nonprofit you could offer your time to as a treasurer or board member? Your experience as a veteran is valuable, is there an organization that might be looking for an accountant/veteran?

[Anonymous]

I agree about passing the exam. This is a full time job for us and that definitely should be your focus. And, who knows…you may find something that you find interesting when studying and lean towards that career. 🙂

[Author]

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